 |
| BEST OUT THIS WEEK: I'm Still Here I Am Martin Parr Picnic at Hanging Rock ALL REVIEWS > |
Showing posts with label flare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flare. Show all posts
Friday, 21 February 2025
Critical Week: You're winding me up
Monday, 1 April 2019
Flare: Be yourself tonight
Jeremiah Terminator LeRoy
dir Justin Kelly; with Kristen Stewart, Laura Dern 19/Can ****
After the terrific 2016 documentary Author: The JT LeRoy Story, these true events get a dramatic feature with knock-out performances from Kristen Stewart and Laura Dern in the central roles. Director Justin Kelly keeps the pacing brisk, never wallowing in the melodrama as he explores issues of identity and connection from fresh angles. It's still a rather mind-boggling story, but this film cleverly humanises the characters, revealing their flaws without vilifying them.
From Zero to I Love Youdir-scr Doug Spearman; with Scott Bailey, Darryl Stephens 19/US ***
An ambitious romantic comedy with hints of deeper themes, this bright and watchable movie is loaded with good-looking people who remain likeable even when they do something stupid. Writer-director Doug Spearman orchestrates the twisty story with some flair, although the story can't help but feel somewhat simplistic and predictable, especially with an uneven collection of side performances. But even if the film is somewhat arch, it's easy to identify with the central characters.
dir T Cooper; scr T Cooper, Allison Glock-Cooper
with Mason Caminiti, Dominic Chilco, Kennie Story, Rese Weaver, Tommy Murrell, T Cooper, Rufio Bell, Cody Harman, Sebastian Roy Noriega 18/US 1h33 ****
Ostensibly a documentary about an unusual body-building competition, this film is actually a much more profound exploration of masculinity, community and self-acceptance. It's powerfully moving all the way through, as filmmaker T Cooper takes an intimate approach to the stories of five competitors, each of whom recounts his extraordinary story with humour, honesty and an open heart. The competition is Trans FitCon in Atlanta, which accepts anyone who identifies as a trans man, regardless of physical presentation. From Minneapolis, Dominic is a lively 26-year-old rapper who is just having his first surgery (yes, there's footage of it). He has also just connected to his biological mother and heads off to meet her (this scene is amazing). In Cleveland, Mason is 40 and married, competing in mainstream bodybuilding meets, where no one knows he's trans. His biggest frustration is what to wear in the tanning booth, because the tiny bikini reveals too much. Rese is in Atlanta, a 23-year-old single parent rejected by his family and exorcised by his pastor. He's eventually taken in by his grandparents, then marries a trans woman who also has a child. Kennie Story is 34 from Conway, Arkansas, a university fitness coach whose girlfriend worries about him starting on testosterone, because it will make him too masculine. And in Miami, the hulking Tommy is a 40-year-old heavyweight whose parents refused to kick him out even though their church told them to. Cooper includes interviews and scenes with a wide range of family and friends, each openly discussing their feelings. "I don't understand," Kennie's mother admits, then adds, "but that's my kid! I love her and that trumps everything." And their body-builder colleagues are hugely engaging too, revealing strong backstage camaraderie. All of this makes the film deeply endearing, a profile of people who are hugely likeable, with big personalities and the same hopes as everyone else. And the way they face their challenges also reveals them as heroes. "I've been called every name you can imagine," one says. "But I don't care, I'm being my authentic self."
B E S T O F T H E F E S T
Features...- WE THE ANIMALS (Jeremiah Zagar, US)
- THE BLOND ONE (Marco Berger, Argentina)
- RAFIKI (Wanuri Kahiu, Kenya)
- JOSE (Li Cheng, Guatemala)
- SOCRATES (Alex Moratto, Brazil)
- MAN MADE (T Cooper, US)
- CONSEQUENCES (Darko Stante, Slovenia)
- NEVRLAND (Gregor Schmidinger, Austria)
- MAKING MONTGOMERY CLIFT (Robert Clift/Hillary Demmon, US)
- THE GOSPEL OF EUREKA (Michael Palmieri/Donal Mosher, US)
Special mention: JEREMIAH TERMINATOR LEROY, TRANSMILITARY, MAPPLETHORPE, TUCKED, GIRL
Shorts...- PARKING (Ahmad Seyfipour, Iran)
- HIGH TIDE (Claire Zhou, Netherlands)
- RENOVATION (Fabio Leal, Brazil)
- BREAK ME (Irasj Asanti, Norway)
- RUBBER DOLPHIN (Ori Aharon, Israel)
- INFINITE WHILE IT LASTS (Akira Kamiki, Brazil)
- OCTOBER BOY (Soren Green, Denmark)
- ISHA (Christopher Manning, UK)
- BLACK HAT (Sarah Smith, US)
- BLACK LIPS (Adrian Chiarella, Australia)
Saturday, 30 March 2019
Flare: Party all night
Knife + Heart [Un Couteau Dans le Coeur]
dir Yann Gonzalez; with Vanessa Paradis, Nicolas Maury
18/Fr ***
Lurid colours and bold stylistic flourishes add interest to this offbeat French thriller. Director-cowriter Yann Gonzalez floods the screen with primary colours, bleached blonde hair, fantasy sex and grisly murder, merrily blurring lines in the films within the film. It's rather too melodramatic to take seriously as a slasher horror, but the lively, camp approach keeps the audience entertained, especially in its more playful moments. And there are some elements that provoke deeper thought as well.
Sunburn [Golpe de Sol]dir-scr Vicente Alves do O; with Ricardo Pereira, Oceana Basilio 18/Por ***.
There's an intriguing fluidity to this sunny Portuguese drama in which four friends go on holiday at an isolated villa. Filmmaker Vincente Alves do O cleverly drops little touches into each scene, often using experimental styles and bold imagery as he reveals details of attitudes and connections. The story may be somewhat elusive and melodramatic, but the film is a fiercely observant look at the complex nature of human connections.
Mapplethorpedir-scr Ondi Timoner; with Matt Smith, Marianne Rendon 18/US ****
Writer-director Ondi Timoner spent more than a decade getting this biopic made, and her attention to detail shows. This is a boldly told story, skilfully capturing the style of the period as it recounts the life of iconic photographic artist Robert Mapplethorpe. And Matt Smith gives a strikingly loose, authentic performance as a man who, instead of adapting for the mainstream, brought the fringe right out into the spotlight, finding beauty in every corner of his life... FULL REVIEW >
dir-scr Michael Sparaga
with Nichelle Nichols, Scott Bakula, Zachary Levi, Amy Acker, Skeet Ulrich, Bjo Trimble, John Trimble, Dorothy Swanson, Rod Roddenberry, Donald P Bellisario, Harry Thomason, Barney Rosenzweig
18/US 1h37 ****
Focussing on fans who fight back when their favourite shows are cancelled, this is a documentary about hope. With a snappy pace and a cheeky sense of humour, it's also a treasure trove of stories, memorabilia and superb interviews with fans, stars and producers. Primarily aimed at geeks, the film has a lot to say about the state of the entertainment industry. The central figures are Bjo and John Trimble, who created the first fan action to save Star Trek in the 1960s (they also ran the campaign to get the first space shuttle named Enterprise). From here it traces projects aimed at shows like St Elsewhere, Quantum Leap, Cagney & Lacey, Designing Women, Person of Interest, Jericho (sending 25 tons of nuts) and Chuck (with star Zachary Levi making 600 sandwiches in London to encourage Subway as a sponsor). For Veronica Mars the fans used crowd-funding to get a movie made. Along the way, Dorothy Swanson founded Viewers for Quality Television in the early 1980s to mobilise the grass roots and demand that good shows aren't cancelled. Now the internet has taken this on, as fans are more visible than ever with hugely vocal online communities. This has led to some very creative campaigns over the years, not all of them successful (there's no mention of the one I got involved with, Operation Pine Weasel, which gave Twin Peaks another season). The film gets a bit sidetracked talking about the activists' personal lives, including marriage and sexuality issues, although this cleverly makes it impossible to dismiss them as nerds. It also highlights the passions of people who see themselves represented on television and don't want their show to go away. This leads to a fascinating exploration of "baiting", when producers put ethnic or gay characters into their shows to appeal to a specific audience. But the point is that the highest rated shows just don't have such passionate fans, because they appeal to everyone. And because of these trailblazers, TV is a little smarter today.
dir Marlon Riggs
with Essex Hemphill, Marlon Riggs, Larry Duckette, Gideon Ferebee, Christopher Prince, Steve Langley, Michael Bell, Bernard Branner, Ben Callet, Gerald Davis, Kenneth R Dixon, Darnell Stephens-Durio
89/US 55m *****
Opening with the chant "brother to brother", this bold, rightly angry documentary confronts the persistent perception that all black men are thieves. Hinging on the fiercely evocative beat poetry of Essex Hemphill, the film features powerful images of black men as artists, dancers, friends and lovers. Made in 1989 and now restored, this is a kaleidoscopic stunner that packs a lot into its brief running time, including a range of amusing anecdotes with punchlines. It's edited with a pulsing rhythmic thump that catches the attitudes, music, humour and energy. Along the way, filmmaker Marlon Riggs recounts his own experiences growing up as a gay black man with torrents of abuse from every community he was in, and those he was outside as well. This remarkably textured, painful chronicle of the depths of prejudice in society, includes racial, religious, political and social elements. It's seriously chilling as it remarks how casual comments and jokes actually cut us down, making us feel less than worthless. But there's also the joy in discovering others like us, including love from unexpected places. Lighter moments include a trip to the Institute of Snap!thology, coaching the audience in the difference between the mini-snap and diva-snap. And there's a moving undercurrent of Aids awareness, which is especially strong since the film was made in the midst of the epidemic. The juxtaposition of images from civil rights marches with gay pride is particularly strong. In other words, the film's visual and verbal dexterity should make us angry too, as the men who are speaking here are simply expressing their deep feelings at the injustice and bigotry around them. "Anger unvented becomes pain ... rage ... violence." But ultimately, this doc is a heartfelt search for self. Provocative and moving, it deserves a prominent place in film history.
Friday, 29 March 2019
Flare: The wrong crowd
Consequences [Posledice]
dir-scr Darko Stante; with Matej Zemljic, Timon Sturbej 18/Svn ****
Diving straight into thug culture, this Slovenian drama is abrasive and often tough to watch as it depicts unapologetically brutal teens who have no respect for anything or anyone. But filmmaker Darko Stante also locates the central character's humanity beneath his anti-social persona. And the way the film takes on some darker, more fundamental elements of society is downright chilling.
Splintersdir-scr Thom Fitzgerald; with Sofia Banzhaf, Shelley Thompson 18/Can ***.
Warm and sensitive, this drama by Canadian arthouse filmmaker Thom Fitzgerald is based on a stage play, with complex characters and a relatively simple plot. The film is augmented with flickers of memory, revealing internal thoughts and feelings. The pacing is a little slow and circuitous, and the moods are muddy and sometimes undefined, but the central ideas about legacy and acceptance are powerfully resonant.
Giant Little Onesdir-scr Keith Behrman; with Josh Wiggins, Darren Mann 18/Can ***
There are some strikingly powerful elements to this Canadian teen drama, which explores youthful sexuality in a complex, thoughtful way, boosted by solid acting across the board. In the film's middle section, writer-director Keith Behrman dips into some trite melodrama and cheesy plotting that threatens to derail the entire story. Thankfully, he puts it back on track for a series of genuinely powerful moments in the final act.
We the Animals dir Jeremiah Zagar; with Raul Castillo, Sheila Vand 18/US *****
Sensual and evocative, this coming-of-age drama uses colours and textures to bring its characters to vivid life. The narrative is loose, almost dreamy, as filmmaker Jeremiah Zagar captures the thoughts, feelings, hopes and anxieties of these people. It's a beautiful film, full of both giddy happiness, deeply felt emotion and that sense that, through a child's eyes, adults are a mystery... FULL REVIEW >
dir Amy Watson, Dennis Keighron-Foster
with Rikki Beadle-Blair, David Hoyle, Darren Pritchard, Joshua Hubbard, Grace Oni Smith, Darren Suarez, Paul S Ferns 18/UK ***.
Opening with statistics about the exponential growth in homophobic hate crime in the UK over the past few years, this brisk, engaging documentary proceeds to explore a subculture in which LGBTQ people can find support and freely express themselves artistically. British vogue balls are patterned after the iconic 1980s New York scene, with various houses competing against each other in the ballroom. The doc traces the movement's history back nearly a century, as queer people have sought ways to live their most fabulous selves, crushing barriers of race and sexuality to celebrate creativity and expression, borrowing from various musical traditions and a wide range of occupations. The lively, brightly engaging men and women interviewed here can be rather smug about how inventive and wild they are, and they speak as if they've already learned everything ("Flawlessness is so boring!"), but they also make important points about inclusion and community. The house mothers, designers, performers, judges and deejays all have stories about being outcasts in search of a place to fit in, and this scene supplies that. After the film's informational introduction, it moves from house to house, showing rehearsals and revealing camaraderie before hitting the floor for some epic posing, mainly in Manchester. This is where the doc comes to life, as these performances express the ideas and emotions much better than words. The costumes and movements are simply jaw-dropping, and the events are emceed with wit and energy by the iconic Rikki Beadle-Blair. In the end, the film becomes important as it profiles people who have found a place where they are accepted and loved, and where can truly shine. As one performer says, "Shout loud enough to let people know they're not alone."
Monday, 25 March 2019
Flare: Signature move
Cassandro the Exotico!
dir-scr Marie Losier; with Saul Armendariz, Hijo Del Santo 18/Fr ****
One of the most colourful Lucha Libre wrestlers, which is saying a lot, Cassandro (real name: Saul Armendariz) offers revealing insights in this lyrical, entertaining documentary. This Texas-born 48-year-old is a thoroughly engaging figure, and filmmaker Marie Losier follows him intimately, creating a gently observant portrait of an outrageous man. While most Lucha Libre wrestlers wager their masks in matches, Cassandro bets his enormously fluffed-up hair. Of course, audiences adore him.
Last Ferry dir Jaki Bradley; with Ramon O Torres, Sheldon Best 19/US ***
This low-key mystery thriller stirs up some decent atmosphere as it focuses on a group of secretive men at a beach on Fire Island. Director Jaki Bradley and actor-writer Ramon Torres create cleverly enigmatic characters, all of whom have something to hide. But they withhold far too much from the audience, leaving us on the outside looking in. And it's frustrating that we can't get more involved in anything that's happening on-screen.
Men of Hard Skin [Hombres de Piel Dura] dir-scr Jose Celestino Campusano; with Wall Javier, German Tarantino 19/Arg ***.
Taking an offbeat, almost unnervingly matter-of-fact approach to a seriously dark theme, this Argentine drama holds its focus tightly on the characters and never judges them. Which is simply astonishing. Filmmaker Jose Celestino Campusano gets under the skin with a complex, nuanced look into the lives of victims and perpetrators of child abuse. Avoiding sensationalism may make the film feel muted, but it has a lot to say, and its effects are lingering.
Making Montgomery Clift dir-scr-prd Robert Clift, Hillary Demmon; with Robert Clift, Montgomery Clift 18/US ****
Instead of telling the story of this iconic actor, this documentary sets out to explore his legacy, specifically his image as a self-destructive, closeted gay figure. But stories from people who knew him tell a very different story, so his nephew Robert sets out to sort fact from fiction as he co-directs and narrates this sensitive, observant film. Frankly, it's refreshing to see a movie that doesn't try to find a bombshell, but rather defuses them to say something more important.
Rafikidir Wanuri Kahiu; with Samantha Mugatsia, Sheila Munyiva 18/Ken ****.
Small and perfectly formed, this subtle but hugely involving romance takes on a powerfully taboo topic in its homeland of Kenya: same-sex romance. Without either preaching or pushing the premise too far, filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu follows two likeable young women who simply feel drawn to each other. Reactions from the people around them are surprising and darkly provocative, making this quiet little movie deeply important... FULL REVIEW >
dir Gabe Silverman; scr Jamie Coughlin, Gabe Silverman
with Logan Ireland, Laila Villanueva, Jenn Peace, El Cook, Sue Fulton, Jesse M Ehrenfeld, Eric Fanning, James P Isenhower III
18/US 1h33 ****
Despite a ban dating back to WWII, the military is the largest employer of transgender people in the US. More than 15,000 trans men and women serve in the armed forces in a variety of key roles. For these soldiers, the biggest challenges have come from military policy. Beautifully edited with clever graphics and animation and a sensitive tone, the film centres on the trans group Sparta and its campaign to allow trans men and women to serve in the military without prejudice. The chronology covers the run-up to the historic ban being rescinded in 2016, followed by Trump's about-face to reinstate it a year later against the advise of his generals. It's seriously moving to hear these brave young people speak about being surprised to be treated as normal and valued by leaders in the Pentagon. And then they are undermined, belittled and bullied in their units. And by their commander-in-chief. Each of their stories is compelling and powerful, highlighting both the vital roles trans soldiers and officers play on the field and the journeys they have taken to get to this point. The filmmakers also include their parents, friends, spouses and children, which adds both lightness and warmth to the thematic urgency. By remaining so personal, the documentary simply lays waste to almost any kind of criticism someone could throw at this situation. It also quietly comments on the ugly prejudice, pain and violence many trans people face on a daily basis. The simple truth is that everyone should be treated fairly, no matter who you are. And frankly, these are just the kind of sensitive, caring, thoughtful soldiers we need to have out there fighting in the name of our countries.
Sunday, 24 March 2019
Flare: Put on a show
Jonathan Agassi Saved My Life
dir-scr Tomer Heymann; with Jonathan Agassi, Anna Langer 18/Isr ***.
Unapologetic and more than a little disturbing, this graphic documentary follows a porn star through his day-to-day life, capturing amusingly awkward moments with his family along with the sex shows and harrowing drug trips. With this unvarnished portrait, filmmaker Tomer Heymann takes the audience right into an existence most people would find difficult to imagine: there's no glamour at all. The approach is both intimate and dispassionate, which kind of leaves the viewer's head spinning.
Tell It to the Bees dir Annabel Jankel; with Anna Paquin, Holliday Grainger 18/UK 1h46 **.
Told with perhaps too much warmth, this 1950s romance is sharply written, acted and production designed to create a specific period atmosphere. It's austere and fairly bursting with secret feelings as two women fall in love in a small town. The themes are nicely handled with sensitivity and a light directorial touch, but the melodrama begins to feel somewhat sticky in the final act, pushing the characters in arch directions. And a magical realist element never quite gels.
Socratesdir Alex Moratto; with Christian Malheiros 18/Br ****
Produced by a workshop of young people aged 16 to 20, this Brazilian drama takes a bracingly realistic approach to its story of a teen living, in more ways than one, on the margins of society. Addressing economic issues, religion and sexuality, the film never tries to preach, instead offering an open-handed, humane approach that seeks compassion and hope in a situation that is increasingly desperate. It's a remarkable little film, beautifully shot and edited, and deeply moving... FULL REVIEW >
The Heiresses [Las Herederas]dir-scr Marcelo Martinessi; with Ana Brun, Margarita Irun 18/Par ***.
A startlingly introspective filmmaking style sets this film apart from the usual self-discovery drama, as it allows the audience to simply take a journey with the central character without ever trying to explain anything. This can sometimes make the film feel rather vague, as key events and relationships are left to the imagination, but it also draws us in to properly feel the weight of what happens... FULL REVIEW >
dir Lis Bartlett; scr Lis Bartlett, James Cude
with James Ballard, Mike Wallace, Morri Spang, Tom Wilson, Charlie Bartel, Michael Mealiffe, Mauro Bordovsky, Paulo Figueiredo, Amy Dantzler
18/US ****
With its straightforward, informative approach, this engaging documentary tells an important story that's gripping and powerfully moving. There's a wealth of wonderful archive footage and cleverly integrated snapshots, and the film hinges around firsthand interviews, each person recounting a resonant personal story about how they dealt with harsh prejudice by finding like-minded friends and forming a close-knit family. Forced off his school swim team because he was gay, Charlie joined the West Hollywood Aquatic Club to find a place where he wasn't the "other". Hs story is echoed by a range of men and women who found a place where they could participate in their sport while being themselves. Many of these are older athletes who joined the club as it was founded in 1982, when mainstream teams refused to see gay people as capable of competing. Their stories include bullying, abuse, being fired and sidelined, but as a team of close friends they competed in the first Gay Games in San Francisco, then establishing an international swimming championship with a colourful queer flavour. And the way their team triumphed in the Masters is inspiring, breaking down discrimination and setting world records. And by 1994, the Gay Games were actually bigger than the Olympics. "I didn't know it at the time," one says. "But everything we did was making history." This beautiful film is brisk and full of terrific anecdotes, as these men and women recount their world-class achievements in the swimming pools, happy to refute those who doubted them and to crush ignorance about HIV even as Aids took 38 teammates' lives. Today they remain at the forefront of the fight against discrimination in competitive sport. And yes, the team welcomes its straight swimmers too.
Friday, 22 March 2019
Flare: Meeting of minds
The British Film Institute's 33rd Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival kicked off last night on the Southbank with the gala screening of Vita & Virginia, attended by Gemma Arterton, Rupert Penry-Jones, director Chandra Button and several cast and crew members. This is my 21st year covering what is one of London's biggest film festivals, and the most festive film festival I get to attend each year - one where you can mix with the filmmakers and actors, attend parties and casual gatherings alongside screenings and special events. Not only are the films of unusually high quality, but BFI Southbank is always a much more colourful part of the city for these 10 days! I'll be blogging the festival every day or two. Here's the first bunch of highlights...
Vita & Virginia
dir Chanya Button; with Gemma Arterton, Elizabeth Debicki 18/Ire **.
There's a refreshingly modern sensibility to this period drama, which allows the actors to create vivid characters. But the script is so wordy that it never lets the audience in. This leaves this as a film that's lovely to look at, and even admire, but it's impossible to crack the surface and genuinely experience the emotions. And the excellent cast struggles to make the dialog resonate with the famous characters they're playing.
Lizziedir Craig William Macneill; with Chloe Sevigny, Kristen Stewart 18/US ***.
The sensational true story of Lizzie Borden is told in an intriguingly naturalistic style by filmmaker Craig William Macneill. It's a remarkably thoughtful film, packed with insinuating plot points and earthy performances. And Macneill uses deliberately choppy editing to drop hints and reveal the chain of events out of sequence. It's rather chilly, and very cleverly made... FULL REVIEW >
Josedir Li Cheng; with Enrique Salanic, Manolo Herrera 18/Gua ****
Earthy and honest, this observational drama deals with big themes without ever getting pushy about them. Chinese-born American filmmaker Li Cheng lets the story develop in an organic way, almost as if he's capturing real events with the camera. This astute style stretches from the busy street scenes to much more intimate moments, grounding the events and emotions in a way that's powerfully resonant... FULL REVIEW >
Girldir Lukas Dhont; with Victor Polster, Tijmen Govaerts 18/Bel ****
Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont takes a matter-of-fact approach to an extraordinary story, turning a teen trans girl's epic struggles into something that's remarkably easy to identify with. And without a traditional plot, the film builds a gnawing sense of dread that bottled-up feelings will lead to something very dark. Indeed, the climactic scenes deliver a powerful punch... FULL REVIEW >
The Gospel of Eurekadir Michael Palmieri, Donal Mosher; with Lee Keating, Walter Burrell 18/US ****
Beautifully written and edited, this documentary centres on an unusual corner of the world where devout Christians mix with the LGBTQ community. The filmmakers wisely avoid commenting on the issues, cutting scenes together with knowing wit to make an important point, bracingly highlighting the hypocrisy of people who use the Bible to justify bigotry. And the personal stories earn the viewers' tears... FULL REVIEW >
Saturday, 18 March 2017
31st Flare: Make an opening move
Against the Law
dir Fergus O'Brien; with Daniel Mays, Richard Gadd 17/UK **** (world premiere)
An inventive blending of period drama and talking head documentary, this pointed film is beautifully edited to make the most of both strands. Each feeds into the other with a powerful sense of momentum, giving the final scenes a proper emotional kick. And there's also a sense of timeliness, as the story recounts events from 60 years ago that would change British law about homosexuality a decade later. And the events still resonate loudly today.
After Louiedir Vincent Gagliostro; with Alan Cumming, Zachary Booth 17/US ***. (world premiere)
Big ideas circle around this earthy drama set among New York artists. The characters are bright and engaging, even as they are deeply flawed, and the talky script takes an unexpectedly honest approach to hot potato topics, exploring how nostalgia for the gay rights movement of the 1990s might not be the healthiest way to move forward. It's perhaps too deliberately provocative to be properly moving, but Alan Cumming delivers a beautifully complex central performance.
Taekwondo
dir-scr Marco Berger; with Gabriel Epstein, Lucas Papa 16/Arg ***.
Essentially a mash-up of writer-director Marco Berger's Hawaii and producer-codirector Martin Farina's Fulboy, this film places nine athletic young men in an isolated house for a sweltering summer getaway and observes the physicality between them. There's a hint of a plot between two of the guys, and a few traits emerge here and there, but the movie is basically a tactile, tantalising tease that pays off only in the final moments... FULL REVIEW >
B E S T O F T H E Y E A R
dir-scr Barry Jenkins; with Trevante Rhodes, Andre Holland 16/US ****.
With its intimate approach and deeply resonant themes, this film gets under the skin right from the start, putting us in the shoes of the lead character at three points in his life. His journey to self-discovery is difficult, partly because he is painfully withdrawn due to his tough life experiences. And what this movie has to say is so important that it deserves all the the attention and awards it gets... FULL REVIEW >
It's Only the End of the World
dir-scr Xavier Dolan; with Gaspard Ulliel, Vincent Cassel 16/Can *****
Few filmmakers are as bold as 27-year-old Canadian Xavier Dolan, who regularly takes on family relationships using bravura filmmaking that brings out unexpected, unfiltered emotions. This film, based on a play by Jean-Luc Lagarce, is a staggering dissection of the dynamic between parents, children and siblings. It's heightened to the point that it's often painful to watch, but it's also urgent, honest and essential... FULL REVIEW >
Sunday, 27 March 2016
30th Flare: Moving forward
The 30th BFI Flare came to a close last night with an epic party. I left at 12.15 while it was still in full flow (sadly, the all-night Tube isn't running quite yet!). Here are some final comments on the closing night film (pictured above) and short films I caught over the past 12 days...
Summertime [La Belle Saison]
dir Catherine Corsini; with Cecile De France, Izia Higelin 15/Fr ****
An earthy honesty infuses this complex romantic drama set amid the women's rights movement of the early 1970s. But while the politics are strong, it's the intensely personal story and engaging characters that make the film so involving. And it's beautifully directed by Catherine Corsini, drawing out big emotions without even a hint of sentimentality.
I managed to catch 15 short films during the festival, including documentaries, comedies, dramas and even a couple of animated ones. Here are my top 5:
Mother Knows Best (Mikael Bundsen, Swe) tells its story in two shots: a brief prologue and then a stunning 9-minute scene as a mother drives her son through the city, chatting nonstop. She wants to be supportive of his relationship with his new boyfriend, but she inadvertently reveals much darker feelings. Beautifully acted by Alexander Gustavsson and Hanna Ullerstam.
The Guy From Work (Jean-Francois Leblanc, Can) plays like a fly-on-the-wall documentary shot in extreme close-up, which is a bit unnerving as scenes are underscored by the sound of shop machinery rather than music. It centres on a shy middle-aged married man who develops a crush on a talkative colleague and then dares to write him a letter. Provocative and powerful.
Bedding Andrew (Blair Fukumura, Can) is very simple: Andrew Morrison-Gurza is a disabled guy lying on his bed talking about his yearning sexuality, and how frustrating it is that people only seem to want to be with him out of pity. It's raw and honest, especially as this smiley, genuinely nice guy tells some genuinely awful anecdotes and reveals his undying inner hopes.
Dawn (Jake Graf, UK) is a lovely little moment between two people on a park bench as they wait for a bus in the early morning. The guy is blind, the girl is trans, and they both have personal issues that they're not quite ready to deal with openly. There's not much to it, but the misty photography is gorgeous, and it leaves us thinking.
No Strings (Eoin Maher, UK) traces a one-night stand between two guys - one is Welsh, the other Irish - both are looking for something superficial. When the visitor misses his last train home, he has to stay the night, which forces them to get to know each other a bit. It's beautifully played, and very nicely shot to bring the audience right into the story, revealing truths that transcend the gay setting.
Friday, 25 March 2016
30th Flare: Hanging tough
I Promise You Anarchy [Te Prometo Anarquia]
dir Julio Hernandez Cordon; with Diego Calva, Eduardo Martinez Pena 15/Mexico 1h28 ****
Earthy and realistic, this drama centres on a group of young skaters roaming the streets of Mexico City. The film has an artful lyricism to it, finding beauty in some very, very dark situations. Clearly, filmmaker Julio Hernandez Cordon is a fan of Gus Van Sant's work, adding his own distinct political/cultural touch.
Henry Gamble's Birthday Party dir Stephen Cone; with Cole Doman, Pat Healy 15/US ***.
Warm and relaxed, this is a knowing exploration of the undercurrents that swell beneath the squeaky clean surface of strongly religious families. With some 20 characters, the film takes on a wide range of issues, all centring on how American Christians are preoccupied with sexuality. And the personal touches make it resonate.
Like You Mean It
dir Philipp Karner with Philipp Karner, Denver Milord 15/US **.
This skilfully assembled drama is packed with compelling issues, although it struggles to connect with the audience due to stilted pacing and a somewhat cold approach that doesn't quite break the surface. Essentially it's about that moment when a relationship runs dry. But before resolving this, the film shifts into a pointed depiction of mental health issues... FULL REVIEW >
Coming Out dir Alden Peters; with Alden Peters, Ritch Savin-Williams 15/US ****
Despite the blandly generic title, this documentary has plenty to say about the topic, especially for people living in tolerant societies. Filmmaker Alden Peters filmed the moments he told his family and friends that he was gay, but the bigger issue is his own personal journey to understanding himself. It's a sharply well-crafted film that's both witty and moving.
BEST OF YEAR
Tangerine
dir Sean Baker; with Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor 15/US ****.
This film is so fresh and original that it's easy to forget that it was shot entirely on an iPhone, proving that money isn't what makes a movie engaging. With snappy dialog, colourfully complex characters and a farcical plot that's genuinely hilarious, this is a seriously unforgettable Christmas comedy... FULL REVIEW >
Wednesday, 23 March 2016
30th Flare: Holding on
The British Film Institute's 30th Flare event continues apace all week with a lineup of far above-average films that have an LGBT angle. And along with the superb movies, it's been great to be able to hang out with the filmmakers. I've interviewed a few of them, and just had drinks with others from all over the world, sharing the issues they face in getting these stories told. Here are more highlights...
Holding the Man
Holding the Man
dir Neil Armfield; with Ryan Corr, Craig Stott 15/Aus ****
Based on a true story, this Australian drama is evocatively shot and edited, and it's thankfully focussed on its engaging characters rather than the plot or themes. Director Neil Armfield stirs in a sweet, complex mix of emotions as Tommy Murphy's script addresses some very important issues. But the 1970s-1990s setting makes it feel oddly past its time, sometimes overstating the message. Even so, it's honest and powerfully moving. [Pictured above: Stott and Corr with Sarah Snook.]
Departure
dir Andrew Steggall; with Juliet Stevenson, Alex Lawther 15/UK ****
Dark and introspective, this drama isn't always easy to watch, especially with its sometimes overpowering sense of impending doom. But the performances are so astute that it's impossible to look away. And with his first feature writer-director Andrew Steggall shows remarkable skill at bringing universal experiences to vivid emotional life.
Closet Monster
dir Stephen Dunn; with Connor Jessup, Aaron Abrams 15/Can ***.
Filmmaker Stephen Dunn takes a strikingly introspective look into the life of a young boy who feels like his life is spiralling out of control. Beautifully shot and edited, the film mixes artfully stylised flights of fancy with earthy themes that cut to the heart of big issues like bullying and self-loathing. But more than that, this is a thoughtful exploration of someone learning to accept his sexuality... FULL REVIEW >
Ka Bodyscapes
dir Jayan Cherian; with Jason Chacko, Kannan Rajesh 16/Ind ****
With a deceptively gentle, observant style, this is a seriously pointed depiction of young people bristling against the harshly extremist culture in Kerala. The film openly challenges the accepted misogyny and homophobia in both Islam and Hinduism. But this is much more than a political film, as the bold writer-director Jayan Cherian keeps the focus on the resonant personal drama.
Seed Money: The Chuck Holmes Story
dir-scr Michael Stabile; with John Waters, Chi Chi LaRue 15/US **.
The fascinating life of iconic Falcon Studios founder Chuck Holmes is recounted in this rather lacklustre documentary. The problem is that filmmaker Michael Stabile seems more interested in Holmes' groundbreaking porn movies than in the man himself. But he's also too timid to show proper clips, instead editing them almost comically to get an R rating. Which means that the documentary, while educational, misses the point it might have made.
~~~~~~~ ~~ ~~~ ~~~~
C R I T I C A L W E E K
As for regular releases screened to the press this week, I caught up with Nia Vardalos' sequel My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, which is the same warm-silly culture-clash comedy as the 2002 original; Zootropolis (aka Zootopia) is lively and entertaining, and also the usual Disney franchise-launching concoction; Idris Elba stars in the energetic anti-terrorism thriller Bastille Day; the French teen-sex drama Bang Gang: A Modern Love Story is too mopey to be as provocative as it wants to be; and Mark Cousins' I Am Belfast is a lyrical but deeply quirky look at the Northern Irish capital.
This coming week I have a very late press screening (tonight) of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice plus Natalie Portman in the Western Jane Got a Gun, but most of my time will be spent at Flare.
Monday, 21 March 2016
30th Flare: Reaching out
Nasty Baby
dir Sebastian Silva; with Sebastian Silva (pictured above), Kristen Wiig 15/US ***
Meandering through a series of messy events in the lives of a group of hapless people in Brooklyn, this film has a gripping authenticity to it that's both engaging and knowing. And then a momentous plot point kicks in, suddenly making it feel utterly fictitious as the characters suddenly become very different people. This is probably actor-filmmaker Sebastian Silva's point, but it's seriously jarring.
4th Man Out dir Andrew Nackman; with Evan Todd, Parker Young 15/US ****
With a very clever script, this is much more than the usual coming out comedy, as its focus is on the way a group of friends are forced to redefine their friendships when one of them reveals that he's gay. Intriguingly, the film is much more about how the straight world copes with homosexuality than the other way round. Which makes it both important and hilarious.
Beautiful Something
dir Joseph Graham; with Brian Sheppard, Zack Ryan 15/US ***.
Strikingly introspective and honest, this multi-strand drama is set amongst gay artists from various strata of society. Writer-director Joseph Graham invests the film with a poetic sensibility that taps in to deep feelings that will resonate with anyone in the audience. Although the structure feels artificial, the emotions are honest.
Theo and Hugo [Theo et Hugo Dans le Meme Bateau] dir Olivier Ducastel, Jacques Martineau; with Geoffrey Couet, Francois Nambot 16/Fr ****.
With striking honesty, this lovely Before Sunrise-style romance is bold and unflinching in the way it approaches the drama around the moment when two young men meet. As the events unfold in real time in the early morning, filmmakers Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau and actors Geoffrey Couet and Francois Nambot take a refreshingly realistic approach to some very big issues.
Women He's Undressed
dir Gillian Armstrong; with Darren Gilshenan, Jane Fonda 15/Aus **.
This rather indulgent hybrid biopic/documentary is tagged as the story of someone "nobody has ever heard of". But triple Oscar winner Orry-Kelly is one of the greatest costume designers of all time. With some 300 films to his credit, he certainly made Hollywood's greatest actresses look fabulous. Although his personal life remains something of a mystery.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
